In the three years since an unusual recall election swept the Hollywood action hero to the state’s top post, Californians have watched Schwarzenegger evolve from political novice to partisan agitator to a collegial, can-do populist immersed in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation.

Judging by Tuesday’s election results, the latest version of the governator is one California voters appear to like best. (The turnout, by the way, was the lowest in state history in a general election, with barely 44 percent of registered voters heading to the polls).

Most political observers agree that the governor has evolved into a more seasoned statesman, honing political skills that should make his second term less volatile than his first.

But the jury is still out on exactly what kind of Golden State governor Schwarzenegger will be in his final term.

Press Secretary Margita Thompson noted during her boss’ victory party at the famous Hilton hotel here: “He has a lot more years ahead of him than he has behind him.”

Q: What’s next for Schwarzenegger?

A: First, a two-day trade trip to Mexico. Less than 20 hours after winning re-election, Schwarzenegger flew south today to meet with President Vicente Fox and his soon-to-be successor, Felipe Calderon. The trip is aimed at promoting California agriculture, goods and business to the state’s number one trading partner. But it is also an attempt to smooth ruffled feathers with Latinos back home over mixed messages he sends on Latino immigrants, both legal and illegal.

Traditional mid-term changes in the governor’s staff are also likely to begin in the coming weeks, although political strategists predict the turnover will be smaller given the changes Schwarzenegger made to his administration following last year’s failed special election.

His Democratic chief of staff, Susan Kennedy – widely credited for his successful third year as governor – is expected to stay.

Q: What approach to governing will Schwarzenegger adopt in his second term?

A:The governor has promised voters they’d see more of the Arnold of 2006, one who continues to work cooperatively with the Legislature.

” This (vote) was basically them letting us know that we need to go in that same direction which is bringing both of the parties together and moving California forward and making decisions for what is best for the state of California,” he told reporters this afternoon before boarding his plane for Mexico.

Q: What will his agenda be?

A: Thompson, the press secretary, says the governor has big plans for among other things, tackling public works, global warming and health care for Californian children. The governor has also indicated revamping the state’s overcrowded prison system will be a top priority.

It’s his last term and the governor will be focused on leaving his legacy, political experts say. What better way than in bricks and mortar?

“That makes sense because that will be something Californians can see and touch,” said Jack Pitney, political science professor at Claremont McKenna College.

But state Sen. Dick Ackerman, R-Irvine, said he expects that at least some of the issues that took a nosedive in Schwarzenegger’s controversial special election year will be on the table again, including state pension and budget reforms. That’s likely to dampen the cooperative spirit in Sacramento a bit, the senator observed.

Q: This is Schwarzenegger’s final term as governor. Does he have any other political aspirations?

A: The logical next step, according to his staff and political experts, is to run for U.S. Senate in 2010 for Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer’s seat.

Schwarzenegger has not yet formally discussed such a run with staff or advisors. That exchange is unlikely for at least a few months, as Schwarzenegger transitions to his new term.

And as he told the Register on the campaign bus last November, he has reservations about pursuing any future political office given the toll that commitment takes on his wife and four children.

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